Imperial IX-5

Organize what was underground, making space.

Draw geometric patterns on the floor using liquid gemstones, recalling the patterns created by the hero seen in the desert temple.

The mechanism is exactly the same—using liquid gemstones to control the flow of magical energy.

Place various gemstones in different locations.

Gemstones to be used for replenishing magical energy when it runs low.

If extra magical essence is generated, use the gemstones for containment. This idea was inspired by the attack method Noiman used during our battle.

A knocking sound comes from the door leading to the basement.

"Here they come."

It's Lina.

"I came exactly as instructed—without telling anyone."

"Right. This is a forbidden technique. Whatever you see here, you must never speak of it, not even once in your entire life."

"I understand."

Despite the danger ahead, Rina seems oddly excited.

Honestly...

To control the flow of magical essence through her body, I draw patterns on her using liquid crystal. This technique was learned in Nihon.

This part is especially important.

Rina is highly reactive to magical essence.

By exploiting this trait, I'll fuse part of her body with the crystal, creating a unique living magical stone.

I will implant the generated human-made magic stone as a seed into the missing part of the body.

Using the person's magical essence, I will cultivate and grow it.

It's akin to artificially inducing a magical stone illness.

However, the human-made magic stone is compatible with the human body. By leveraging this property, the missing body part will gradually grow and regenerate.

The human-made magic stone grows → the injured part grows → finally, destroying the magic stone will achieve perfect regeneration.

All preparations are complete.

"Are you really sure, Lina?"

Even now, I still have doubts.

"Yes, it's fine. Please go ahead."

In Lina's eyes, a clear light shone.

Light particles swirled around Lina and me.

"Everyone, could I have your attention for a moment?"

Lina calls out to the knight group, finished with training.

I'd like to try a small experiment with a new treatment method.

All eyes turn toward Lina at her words.

In her hands, Lina held a bucket full of small, gem-like stones.

Each about the size of a glass bead, they shimmered with a rainbow glow.

"Then, Mr. Taro, if you would please."

The knights turn their gaze toward the man who has just entered from behind.

This man has been secretly up to something with the young lady lately.

Still a suspicious character, as ever.

His face looked slightly worn and tired, with an expression that could be interpreted as regret.

Taro's explanation was overly complicated and difficult to fully understand. According to Miss Lina, it was the new treatment method developed by Taro.

It seems I can recover my lost limbs.

I finally understand why Taro is so worn out.

It was obvious that Taro was using Linahime's unique constitution.

Though he didn't show it on his face, he felt a complicated mix of emotions.

Taro began attaching some strange metal fittings.

In the center, he placed the iridescent gemstone that Linahime had been holding.

Nothing particularly happened.

Taro was performing some kind of magic, though it was impossible to tell what exactly he was doing.

Could he really regain my lost arms with something like this?

An unbearable pain without answer tightens my heart.

A day passes, and the magic stone has spread across my entire arm.

It feels as though I'm being absorbed by the stone. I sense nothing from it.

Honestly, it's an overwhelming terror.

The helplessness of being unable to do anything only amplifies my fear of the stone.

I feel just like a noble lady of old.

Did that lady endure such terrifying things every single day?

If things get any worse, I’ll cut down this man right in front of me—no matter what it takes, to protect the young lady for as long as possible...

The knights gathered once more to treat Taro.

According to Taro, the sensation of being afflicted by the stone disease wasn’t a mistake—it seemed the same thing was actually happening to him.

Using Taro’s power, they managed to control the phenomenon of the stone being absorbed into the body, and apparently, they were able to concentrate the stone at the wound on his arm.

Several more days passed. Taro's treatment continued every day. Indeed, the magic stone that had spread across his arm now remained only at the wound, and he felt a sensation as if his arm were growing longer.

No, it was definitely growing.

It was regenerating. Really.

What on earth was this? Beyond human understanding.

This was the power of a wizard. This was magic.

Joy at seeing his arm heal clashed with fear of the unknown.

Rina-sama was always there during the healing, and seeing her happy expression made me feel an overwhelming joy.

Even though the fear hadn't vanished, I no longer wanted to stop the treatment.

My limbs were recovering rapidly.

I never expected it to go this smoothly...

I was amazed by my own progress.

No, it was simply because Noi-man's research was superb.

His annoying smug face kept replaying in my mind.

In any case, I should be fully recovered in another month or so.

That's good.

After that, I'll completely seal away this technology and deliberately regress the technological level.

Taro filled his mind with what lay ahead and headed back to the laboratory.

In the heart of the empire, a young girl puffed out her cheeks.

"Despite repeated summonings, he still hasn't shown up?"

"Yes, he seems to be busy with something and shows no intention of responding at all."

"You've truly become the Demon King. Your demeanor is that of royalty itself."

The guards close to her thought, "You're the one saying this?"

"There's no choice. If he won't come over, then we must go to him."

"That won't do. The empire's principles would be compromised. We'll bring him here at all costs—please wait just a little longer."

"No! The aftermath of the war has settled down by now, so it should be fine to take a break soon. Even Grandfather said as much, didn't he!"

"He did say that, but why go to a man like that—someone so dangerous?"

"Dangerous? To me, he just seems like a man lost in war. Since Konoe is going too, I don't see any problem at all."

The commander of the Konoe Knights felt keenly that their emperor was beginning to fully realize their potential.

One of those abilities.

The eye to judge people.

Of course, the current Empress had never been on the battlefield and had no combat training.

Yet she had still recognized the Demon King as a man hesitant in battle.

The incredible growth was exhilarating beyond words.

He couldn't help but feel he must protect her at all costs—while simultaneously knowing she needed to experience much more.

"I shall serve as your guard. I can certainly select the finest from the Royal Guard Corps."

"If you insist... but only for half a day. If I can see you off a little further, I'll mobilize the national army."

"Over the top? Well, that's fine. I'm counting on you....Yes! I did it!"

Even though only family is around, he'd rather she hide her victory pose.

The high-ranking official now ponders what to do next.